21-Oct-19

Gospel LK 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
"Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me."
He replied to him,
"Friend, who appointed me as your judge andarbit rator?"

Jesus was not about to be drawn into a discussion about how the brothers should decide their father’s wealth.

Instead, He offered sound advice to all who listened.

Then he said to the crowd,
"Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one's life does not consist of possessions."

So what does life “consist of” that is of value in the eyes of God

Compassion, generosity, joy and love of neighbor are the virtues that are pleasing to God and also make for a satisfying life.

To make His point, Jesus told a story about a man who built larger barns to store his abundant harvest.

Rich beyond measure, the man said to himself, "Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!"

But God said to him,

'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?'

It is sad to think that it never occurred to the man who built larger barns to share any of his wealth with those less fortunate.

In his greed, he robbed himself of the opportunity and great joy that comes from lifting the spirits of those who have so little.

“Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself
but is not rich in what matters to God.”

May we arrive in Heaven with empty pockets and an armful of smiles from those to whom we have made known the love of God.

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